Improved insulation materials and techniques for walls and windows have made it more affordable to heat and cool homes with the changing seasons, but there are also house plans that can help optimize comfort in the home while lessening the blow to your wallet. Look for ENERGY STAR/Green house plans offered by companies like The House Designers to ensure you build the most energy-efficient home for your location. Choosing a design with a number of well-placed windows that can be used to create cooling cross ventilation will reduce the need for air conditioning in warmer locales, while a compact plan that minimizes the external surface area to volume ratio—think saltbox rather than sprawling ranch—will conserve heat during harsh winters. A little planning at the beginning can go a long way toward reducing bills in the future.

The purpose of a floor plan is to give a representation of how a space is set up in terms of fixtures, dimensions and spatial relationships. They help people understand whether areas are suited for their intended purpose. For example, shared office workspace planners must take into consideration both functionality and inspiration to get ahead of the competition by offering tangible, desirable coworking space benefits. Floor plan software has myriad uses, including office space planning, facility plant floor planning, and venue management planning. Even parking lots benefit from floor planning!

The first thing we recommend is to make a list of the things that you liked and disliked about places you have lived and visited in the past. Once you have prepared a complete list of the most important attributes that you are searching for you can begin checking out lot locations. While searching for you ideal building lot, evaluate each lot based upon the qualities that you have identified on your list.

House plans for flat building lots are less difficult and less expensive to build, although they are not always as eye-catching as a sloping lot. A sloping lot will allow you to tuck the garage under the house and possibly plan for a daylight basement.

If it isn’t, then don’t worry. There’s another simple modification to house plans that will also give you some extra space: adding a room over the garage. The great thing about this is that if the garage is separate from the main house, then the additional bedroom has a feeling of independence- perfect for older kids who don’t want their parents cramping their style!